Interview with Prabha Shetty - Milaap

Can you tell us a bit more about the Milaap and what the organisation hopes to achieve?

Milaap is a multicultural day centre that provides day care services, primarily for older and disabled individuals and particularly those from marginalised communities who often feel excluded, lonely, or isolated. Milaap currently has 170 members and continues to grow, thanks to our unique combination of friendship and laughter. Our goal is to provide a holistic and high-quality service that promotes physical, mental, and emotional well-being. This includes physical activities such as Yoga, Qi Gong, Meditation, Bollyfit exercises, as well as brain-stimulating games.

Milaap also offers freshly cooked, nutritious meals and door-to-door transportation for elderly individuals with mobility challenges, and, above all, we ensure our members have fun and that we add value to their quality of life.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your journey with Milaap?

I have volunteered at Milaap for over 35 years. I used to run my own business which gave me the flexibility to help at the luncheon club, as it was known then. I got hooked on voluntary work and since retiring as a manager of a social work team, I don't think I've been so busy!

I am very pleased and proud to be able to give something back to the community. Milaap was founded in 1989 to address the isolation of older people, particularly from the Asian community, due to language and cultural barriers. Today, it's a multicultural centre where elders connect, engage in activities, and feel a sense of belonging. 

What advice would you give someone else who wants to get involved in the local community?

Without a doubt, volunteering is the best thing one can do, even if it is only for an hour or two each week. There are many ways to get involved that don't require special skills, but can still make a meaningful impact.

From my experience, I've seen how much of a difference it can make in people's lives. It's not just about helping others, I find it personally rewarding, too. My feeling is that we all have something to offer, and even small contributions can create positive change in our community.

Sign up and volunteer at Milaap. 

What is your memorable moment from working with Milaap?

There are countless memorable moments and it would be hard to choose just one. Milaap has been a beacon for other organisations, and we take pride in every honour that we receive.

I must mention meeting King Charles and Prince Edward as a highlight, as well as being the only organisation to receive the Mayor's Charitable Trust donations twice. I am also proud that the Chief Executive of Kingston Council, Sarah Ireland, was so impressed with Milaap that she volunteered with us.

During COVID, we trained the highest number of older people to become tech-savvy, to make it easier for them to stay up to date with guidance and support. These are just a few examples of the many accomplishments we treasure!

What are your hopes for the future of Milaap and its role in the local community?

Milaap has developed in leaps and bounds, but there is so much more we aspire to do with and for our members. While it's wonderful that more older people from our multicultural communities want to join, we've reached our capacity. As a resilient and dedicated team, we're exploring creative ways to expand with our current resources. As an eternal optimist, I'm confident we'll find a way to meet the needs of our growing elderly population.

There's always hope for a big lottery win or legacies to help us carry on - a girl can dream, right?